CVE Watchtower

CVE-2014-6278Gnu Bash OS Command Injection

NVDCVSS scored by 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0

Vulnerability Summary

GNU Bash through 4.3 bash43-026 does not properly parse function definitions in the values of environment variables, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted environment, as demonstrated by vectors involving the ForceCommand feature in OpenSSH sshd, the mod_cgi and mod_cgid modules in the Apache HTTP Server, scripts executed by unspecified DHCP clients, and other situations in which setting the environment occurs across a privilege boundary from Bash execution. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2014-6271, CVE-2014-7169, and CVE-2014-6277.
Severity Level
HIGH(8.8)
Published Date
Sep 30, 2014
Last Modified
Apr 22, 2026
PoC
Available(Metasploit)
Exploitation Status
ACTIVE
EPSS Score (30-Day)
91.88%Probability
Root Weakness (CWE)
The software constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input, but does not properly neutralize special elements.
CVSS v3.1 Base Metrics — Score 8.8 (HIGH)
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges RequiredNone
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh

Affected & Patched Versions

Affected Versions
  • Gnu Bash
Patched Versions
No patched version published yet
Until a fix ships, reduce exposure:
  • Restrict access to the affected service or interface to trusted networks.
  • Disable the affected feature if you do not need it.
  • Watch the vendor advisory for a firmware or software update.

What to do

Patch now. CISA lists this flaw as exploited in the wild and set a federal remediation deadline of Oct 23, 2025.

  1. Check whether you run Gnu Bash and which version.
  2. No patched version is listed yet. Limit access to the affected service to trusted networks, and disable the feature if you can.
  3. Subscribe to the vendor advisory so you learn when a fix ships.
  4. Review logs and exposed services for signs of earlier compromise.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

CISA KEV Status

Listed in Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Added: Oct 2, 2025
Remediation due: Oct 23, 2025 (deadline passed)

Timeline

  • Sep 30, 2014Published
  • Oct 2, 2025Added to CISA KEV catalog
  • Oct 23, 2025KEV remediation due date
  • Apr 22, 2026Record last modified

Score, severity and exploitation changes are tracked from the day Watchtower started logging them.

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External References

Data last checked: Nov 15, 2026 00:23 UTC